Architects Wright & Sanders issue a tender call for the new building. Contracts are issued to Mr. T. Baker for brick and slating, and Lee & Co. for the stonework.
The cornerstone is laid in a grand public ceremony on June 2nd—a gala celebration attended by the mayor, town council, Chief Justice, the Freemasons, Hebrew Benevolent, French Benevolent and St. Andrews Societies, bands and choirs.
Consecration takes place in September.

A wedding canopy made of silk from China, manufactured in England and transported around Cape Horn to Victoria is presented to the Congregation by the Hebrew Ladies of Victoria.

Lumley Franklin, Selim’s older brother, is elected the second mayor of Victoria—the first Jewish mayor of a city in British North America.

Henry Nathan Jr. is sent as one of the first two Members of Parliament from Victoria after Confederation—the first Jew to sit in the Canadian House of Commons.

Plans are prepared for the construction of a Sunday school and Hall to the south of the Synagogue.

Architect Thomas Hooper issues a tender call for the school house.
The construction contract is given to Mr. Riddle in December.

The school house opens as the Hebrew Ladies Hall.

The Synagogue is “modernized”—the exterior covered in stucco; the central doors removed; a false ceiling to cut heating costs; the windows blocked up; and central skylight removed.

Consideration given to restoration of the Synagogue.

“The Committee to Restore Canada’s Oldest Synagogue” is organized—comprising Martin Levin (Chairman); Harry Brown; Neil Gold; Michael Goldberg; Alan Klenman; Ben Levinson; Gene Miller; Felix Reuben; and later Martin Bernstein.
The Committee enlists the aid and expertise of the Heritage Conservation Branch of the Provincial Government, which proves invaluable throughout the four-year restoration project.

The B.C. Heritage Trust announces a grant of $50,000 to the restoration of the Synagogue (ultimately, giving $82,000).
The Annual General Meeting of the Congregation unanimously approves the restoration project. Fund‐raising is launched. Every single member of the Synagogue contributes to the restoration—producing the largest amount ever raised in Victoria.

Premier William Bennett officially launches the restoration.

Another concentrated community effort results in the completion of the Al & Sylvia Fisher Building, the congregation’s social hall annex and Educational and Cultural Centre—replacing the 110-year-old wooden school and Hebrew Ladies Hall.

A committee is formed to prepare for the 150th anniversary of Emanu-El of Victoria.